My fellow members and peers, spring is here! There are so many things I look forward to in the springtime — longer days, spring break with the kids, and outdoor activities in the warmer weather. For many of us, this spring also brought a noticeable downwards trend in ED volumes (a possible pandemic pause?). While this may provide you with a break from the non-stop daily grind in the trenches, some may also view this with concern regarding staffing and income stability. This trend is coupled with high hospital census and overcapacity, which exacerbate ED boarding and promote unsafe waiting room medicine. Yet this is where emergency physicians shine – innovating ways to deliver care to the patients that need us in their most vulnerable moments while maintaining high quality acute care medicine, despite space, staff and supply limitations. I have told each of you before that I firmly believe you are among the most intellectually nimble group I know, and your agility to create solutions in times of duress sets you apart from the rest of the medical staff.

On another note, no doubt you all have already become aware of the 2022 EM Residency Match results. You may also be familiar with the joint statement from ACEP and seven other organizations on this match. Although there has been significant discussion regarding the match results, I’d like to emphasize that we should communicate what we know and lean away from what we fear. I urge you to maintain objectivity, focus and optimism. After we gather results from SOAP and have time to discuss the real issues with multiple stakeholders, like our residency program directors, ACEP will weigh in more, as will FCEP. The Florida College of Emergency Physicians is dedicated to providing Florida citizens with the highest quality emergency medicine in the world. We stand with our trainees, medical students and training programs to ensure Florida continues to have the highest standards and commitment to emergency care for its citizens.

Remember, the ED is often the only place to which a patient or family can turn, and your actions have a major impact on patients and families. When seconds matter, you are there. Remember what drew you into the practice of emergency medicine and continue to embrace the specialty, our members, and our residents with the same vigor. You will always provide value to your emergency room and acute care patients.

I hope you, your friends and your family are enjoying the spring in ways that bring value, refreshment and happiness to all. ■